What is Macugen?
Macugen is injected and contains pegaptanib. Pegaptanib is an antigen fragment from a human. It is a drug that prevents newly formed blood vessels from developing beneath the retina (a sensory membrane that runs along an eye's interior). If you suffer from a particular type of eye disease, new blood vessels form underneath the retina and leak fluid and blood. This is referred to as the "wet form" or "wet form" of macular degeneration. Macugen injections are for treating wet age-related macular degeneration. Macugenis comes in a sterile foil pouch that comes with a one-use glass syringe that is pre-filled with 0.3 milligrams of pegaptanib.
Warnings
Do not take Macugen. If you're allergic to pegaptanib or if you suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, or any kind of fungal, bacterial, or viral infection that occurs in or around your eyes. Consult your physician immediately if you are experiencing eyes that are red or painful, puffiness or swelling on your face, or sudden issues with your vision at any time while you are receiving treatment.
Before you take this drug.
Macugen is not recommended for use in the event that you are allergic to pegaptanib or suffer from an infection in or around your eyes. To ensure that Macugen is suitable for you, inform your physician if you are suffering from any of the following:
- Glaucoma.
- Catareact.
Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
How to take Macugen?
Macugen is administered as an injection into the eye. This injection is administered in the doctor's office or another location in a clinic. In the days following the injection, your eyes are checked regularly to make sure that the injection did not cause any adverse effects. Macugen is usually prescribed every 6 weeks. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage with care.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Macular Degeneration:
0.3 mg intravitreal injections into the patient's eye every six weeks.
Commentary: The procedure must be performed under aseptic and controlled conditions. Anesthesia as well as a broad-spectrum microbicide must be administered prior to the injection.
There is no additional benefit established with dose levels higher than 0.3 mg.
Treatment for neovascular (wet) AMD, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
What happens if I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the proper procedure. If you do not make an appointment to receive the Macugen injection,
What happens if I overdose?
A dose that is too high will not cause any serious adverse side effects.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding food, drinks, or any activity.
Side effects of Macugen
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction, Macugen: hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Eye pain, redness, or swelling.
- Sudden vision problems.
- Increased sensitivity to light or noticing "floaters" in your vision.
Common Macugen side effects may include:
- Vision change.
- Eye discomfort or pain.
- Eye redness, irritation, sensitivity to light.
- Eyes that are watery and draining, or crusting.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
The eye medicine will not be affected by other medications you take. But there are many drugs that interact. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking, such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbs.
